How to Handle a Sickly Yandere Demon God - Chapter 21

Without giving Xiao Hei a chance to retort, Xu Xingxing swiftly pulled him out of the main hall, not releasing her grip until they were outside the Qi residence.

Xiao Hei understood she didn’t want him to embarrass her in public. Though he had initially intended to mock her, seeing her slightly guilty expression now inexplicably amused him. He suppressed the laughter bubbling in his chest but couldn’t quite hide the smile tugging at his lips. “Why the hurry?” he asked.

“Hehe,” Xu Xingxing replied, emboldened by his lack of anger. “Isn’t it to finish the mission quickly and rid the people of a scourge?”

“Oh?” Xiao Hei tilted his head slightly. “Weren’t you saying you wanted to take me for a walk?”

“Haha, saying that just made me sound cooler! Someone as mighty as you, me walking you? More like you walking me!” Xu Xingxing’s tone was earnest.

“Then,”

Xiao Hei leaned in slightly, his index finger gently tapping her neck. A hint of mischief flickered in his eyes as his crimson lips parted, his voice washing over her ears like polished jade,

“How about wearing this bell around your neck?”

Snowflakes drifted down softly, dusting his hair and clinging to his lashes. The bell hung quietly around his neck, misted over by the cold.

His red lips curved into a smile. Though his words carried a threat, there was none of his usual sarcasm. Even his typically dark, expressionless eyes seemed to hold a glimmer of amusement.

For a moment, she froze, staring at the almost ethereal figure of Xiao Hei before her. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. His fingers were cold, sending a chill through her skin where he touched her, yet her throat felt inexplicably dry and hot. Overwhelmed by thirst, she couldn’t help but swallow.

Xiao Hei’s fingertip detected the slight movement of her throat, and his eyelids trembled in response. A warmth spread through his chest, and seeing her so dazed only fueled his desire to tease her further.

His fingers moved almost instinctively, gliding from her neck to the nape, his thumb giving an involuntary squeeze. Leaning down to meet her gaze, he deliberately closed the distance between them and asked,

“What? Not willing?”

If her heart had been pounding before, now it felt as if she’d been thrown into a steamer. Her face flushed crimson, her entire body burning up. Gazing at Xiao Hei, she suddenly found it hard to breathe.

She stood motionless, forgetting even to step back, until the squeeze at her nape jolted her back to reality. Like an ostrich burying its head in the sand, she covered her face and crouched down.

The night was deep, the snowfall silent, as if the entire world had narrowed down to the frantic beating of her heart. Her mind was a chaotic mess, internal thoughts exploding like out-of-control subtitles across her consciousness.

Ahhhhhhhhhh!

What is Xiao Hei doing, acting so seductive?!

But he’s so beautiful!!

You’re the master! Where’s your composure?!

Is it even possible for a master and their life-bound spirit beast?!

Shut up, upstairs!!! Completing the mission comes first!!!

Xiao Hei stared blankly as the figure before him suddenly vanished. The warmth that had lingered on his fingers faded with the cold, and he curled them slightly. Seeing her crouch down in embarrassment, curled up like a quail, his delight only grew. He could no longer hold back his laughter.

He crouched down as well, his laughter ringing freely through the deserted streets.

Xu Xingxing looked up and saw Xiao Hei’s smiling face. She had never seen him laugh so happily before, and for a moment, she felt a bit dazed. His smile was bright and clear, completely different from his usual indifferent demeanor, reminding her of the brilliant spring sun on this cold, snowy night.

But if she still didn’t realize he was deliberately teasing her, she’d be a fool. So, she politely admired his smile for two seconds before grabbing a handful of snow from the ground and swiftly stuffing it down his collar. Then, she took off running.

Freeze to death, you idiot!

Xiao Hei stood frozen in place, watching the girl’s retreating figure with a mix of irritation and amusement. He wanted to chase after her but felt it would be too childish. The snow in his collar soaked his clothes, sliding down his neck. Though it was icy cold, he had no intention of using his powers to dry it.

He stood up and followed her at a leisurely pace, calling out from behind, “Do you know how to get to the Zhou residence?”

Xu Xingxing’s footsteps abruptly halted. She turned around and saw Xiao Hei’s half-smiling face, and her inner monologue kicked into gear:

Holy crap, how could I forget to ask such an important thing…

Would it be embarrassing to go back now?

I made such a cool exit with that line!

Asking again? Oh my god, just thinking about it feels so awkward…

Why did I have to show off for no reason? From now on, keep a low profile, okay!

She glanced back at the Qi residence not far away, feeling so troubled that she crouched down again. The incident with Rongjun had left her too angry and shocked, and her desire to investigate had taken over in an instant. When Qi Rongli happened to ask her, she had blurted out a reply and rushed out without a second thought.

Showing off was instinctive, but apologizing to Rongjun…

As she recalled Rongjun’s appearance, her heart grew heavy again.

What does pride matter? The truth is what’s important.

Having resolved to go back, she saw Xiao Hei already standing in front of her. Looking up at his utterly gleeful expression, she resignedly stood up. “Wait here, I’ll go ask.”

But after taking just two steps, she noticed Xiao Hei heading in the opposite direction. Curious, she asked, “Where are you going?”

“To the Zhou residence.”

Xiao Hei didn’t turn back, but his voice was brimming with laughter.

The two stood before a gate. The vermilion door exuded authority amidst the snow, flanked by two stone lions, with a gold-lacquered plaque bearing the characters “Zhou Residence” in majestic strokes.

Xu Xingxing wondered, “How did you know?”

“Passed by it on the way to the village earlier.”

Xiao Hei glanced at her. “It’s so obvious. How could you have missed it?”

It is pretty obvious… On this long street, this house is clearly the wealthiest.

“…Sorry, I was too focused on walking.”

Afraid that Xiao Hei would start mocking her again, she quickly changed the subject. “Let’s climb the wall. Today is just about scouting the place, we don’t want to alert anyone too soon.”

Xiao Hei neither agreed nor disagreed.

As soon as they entered the Zhou residence, a warm breeze greeted them. The courtyard was as warm as spring, much like the Qi residence.

She had just been wondering if there was only one Cold-Avoiding Mother Pearl when she looked up and saw several smaller pearls floating at intervals in the courtyard sky.

Well, I guess quantity works too.

After taking a few steps forward, Xiao Hei suddenly pulled her down, hiding behind a shrub. Her instincts were sharp, and she immediately sensed someone approaching from not far away.

It was two rows of neatly lined-up maids.

The lead maid said, “Be sharp, all of you! The mistress is in a bad mood. If any of you upset her, you’ll regret it!”

The maids behind her bowed their heads in acknowledgment, and the procession moved forward at a steady pace.

Xu Xingxing and Xiao Hei exchanged a glance before following.

After passing through several winding corridors, they finally stopped before an arched gate. The lead maid entered the courtyard alone, while Xu Xingxing and Xiao Hei slipped in from another direction.

The courtyard walls were adorned with an intricate arrangement of artificial rocks and exotic flowers, but at its center lay an expansive lake. A long corridor bridge stretched across the water, leading to a house at the heart of the lake.

The structure was entirely built of jade, reinforced with mystical arts. Though it appeared magnificent and sacred, an inexplicably eerie aura lingered about it.

The maid walked along the bridge to the door and knocked. “Madam, it is time for your purification,” she called.

The sound of shattering objects came from within, followed by a voice so hoarse it was impossible to distinguish whether it belonged to a man or a woman. “Get out! All of you, get out! Tell Zhou Wuxia to come see me! Why doesn’t he dare face me now?!”

“Madam, do not be stubborn. The master will still be staying in your chambers tonight.”

“Let him come! Let him come now! Let him kill me!!”

Ignoring the outburst, the maid retraced her steps across the long bridge, waved to the other maids waiting by the archway, and then led them all toward the lake.

Xu Xingxing watched as they approached the house. This time, the maid did not knock, the jade door slowly swung open before her. After they entered, it closed again, leaving the surroundings in utter silence, not even the sound of water could be heard.

After what felt like a long wait, the door finally reopened. The lead maid emerged, crossed the bridge, and exited the courtyard.

Xu Xingxing turned to Xiao Hei and whispered, “Where are the others?”

Xiao Hei frowned slightly and shook his head. From the moment the group had entered the house, their presence had abruptly weakened, and now not a trace of them could be detected.

“Let’s follow the maid.”

Xiao Hei nodded, and they set off after her.

The maid hurried toward the inner residence but suddenly halted before a barrier enveloping the entire inner courtyard. She recited an incantation, and an opening just large enough for one person appeared in the barrier. Once she entered, it sealed shut behind her.

Xu Xingxing approached and observed the barrier, it resembled a transparent bubble. When she lightly tapped it with her finger, ripples of white light spread outward.

“Should we break it?”

It wouldn’t be difficult for her, “But the one who created this barrier would know immediately. That would alert them.”

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple,” Xiao Hei said, studying the barrier. “If you force your way through, the key object inside might be destroyed along with it.”

“Really?” Xu Xingxing was skeptical. “How do you know?”

“Believe it or not.”

Xiao Hei himself was puzzled, why did he understand the barrier’s function just by looking at it?

As they hesitated, the barrier stirred again. The two quickly concealed themselves as a man emerged from within. He was dressed in luxurious brocade robes, with jet-black hair held by a jade crown.

A look of joy on his face, he headed in the direction from which the maid had come.

Xu Xingxing and Xiao Hei wordlessly trailed after him.

As expected, the man’s destination was the jade house.

If she wasn’t mistaken, this man was likely Zhou Wuxia.

His steps were light and eager, and by the time he reached the lakeside, he broke into a run.

Before the jade door had fully opened, he slipped inside.

Once again, the sound of shattering porcelain and a woman’s weeping and cursing could be heard, but for some reason, the voices grew muffled and indistinct.

It seemed this jade chamber had activated some soundproofing barrier. Even with her Divine Transformation realm cultivation, she couldn’t clearly make out the conversation.

Xu Xingxing thought Xiao Hei’s hearing might be better, so she asked the person beside her, “What are they saying?”

“The woman is cursing Zhou Wuxia, saying he violates human ethics, has the heart of a serpent, disregards all rules of propriety, and is a beast in human clothing. However,” Xiao Hei glanced at her, “the woman’s voice doesn’t sound as hoarse as before.”

Xu Xingxing furrowed her brows. “This must be related to those mysteriously missing maids. Did they mention what just happened?”

Xiao Hei shook his head.

Suddenly, a man’s exclamation came from the room. Xiao Hei explained, “Zhou Wuxia got hit and is now playing the victim card.”

She nodded. After a long while, the sounds from the room gradually faded, with only occasional vague noises and words emerging.

Noticing Xiao Hei’s sudden change in expression, Xu Xingxing quickly asked, “What’s wrong? What did they say?”

“…”

Listening to the suggestive sounds from the room while watching the innocent expression of the woman beside him, Xiao Hei felt the alternating sounds of pleasure and pain from inside magnify endlessly in his ears, inexplicably irritating him.

“Listen yourself.”

Xu Xingxing was taken aback, not understanding why he suddenly became angry. She cursed his dog-like temper inwardly and retorted defiantly,

“Fine, I’ll listen myself. See if I care that much about you.”

She cupped her hands behind her ears like fans, closed her eyes, and listened intently. The jade chamber’s soundproofing was quite effective, even with such effort, she could only hear faint sobbing. Opening her eyes, she attempted to communicate again,

“Is that woman crying?”

Xiao Hei: “…”

Seeing him appear even angrier, Xu Xingxing felt perplexed but decided to move closer to see better.

Just as she was about to stand up, all sounds from the room suddenly ceased. Thinking someone might be coming out, she crouched back down.

After waiting for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the jade door suddenly swung open, and a figure slowly emerged from the room.

It was a woman.

The woman wore thin gauze, her long hair disheveled, with iron chains binding her wrists and ankles that extended back into the dark interior. She could only barely stop at the doorway. Her expression was utterly desolate as she gazed at the heavy night sky, radiating an undeniable aura of sorrow that was impossible to ignore.

The moment Xu Xingxing saw the woman, her body froze in place. An overwhelming sense of absurdity washed over her, raising goosebumps all over her skin.

Rongjun?